Category Archives: Scholars

Maulana Shiraz started studying the Alimiyyah course at the Dabhel Madrasah, Gujarat, India in 1981. In 1985 after having visa problems Maulana came back to Trinidad and studied at Darul Uloom Trinidad and Tobago under Mufti Shabil Ai and Maulana Abdul Salam. 1989 Mufti Shabil sent him to complete his final two years in Darul Uloom Al Arabiya Al Islamia, Bury, England, under the tutorship of Shaykh Maulana Yusuf Motala.

His company has taught me many lessons and his friendly nature has drawn me closer to him day by day. He is my teacher who has stood by me and aided me in all that I have chosen to do. His care and love opened doors for me that I could have never achieved without his blessings and supervision.

Maulana Shiraz is a father figure as well as a role model for many of the younger Ulamaa. By just looking at Maulana’s always smiling face a person’s heart can feel at ease, with peace and tranquility. May Allah keep our Shaykh always happy and smiling and a make him a means of guidance for all.

Maulana Shiraz is a very spiritual person with much experience of life. He is a very wise scholar; sincere and genuine in all that he does and is very much updated on what is going on in the world. Maulana is also very much attached to his Quraan.

Some of his eminent teachers from whom he has ijazah in various Islamic sciences include Shaykh Yusuf Motala, Mufti Ahmad Khanpuri and Maulana Qamruzaman Ilahabadi.

Currently Maulana Shiraz serves as a Director, Administrator and teacher of Ahadith at Darul Uloom, Trinidad and Tobago. Since graduation, Maulana has selflessly devoted himself to the work of Deen and remained actively involved in Dawah and teaching. Among the books he taught at Darul Uloom include Bukhari Shareef, Muslim Shareef, Tahawi Shareef, Muatta of Imam Malik, Ibn Majah and Nurul Idhaa. Maulana has also travelled widely to various countries in the Middle East, Europe, North America and the Caribbean.

Maulana is also a director and secretary of Masjiul Mutaqeen, Munroe Road, Cunupia.

Maulana Shiraz was a Mureed of Mufti Mahmud Hasan Gangohi (R.A), who was the most senior khalifah of Shaykh Zakariyyah Kandhalwi (R.A). After the death of Mufti Mahmud, Maulana took bay’ah to Shaykh Yusuf Motala who was a very special and close Khalifah of Shaykh Zakariyyah Kandhalwi (R.A). Now Maulana is a Khalifah of Shaykh Yusuf Motala.

Together with teaching at Darul Uloom, Maulana holds Zikr Majlis every day after Fajr at Masjidul Muttaqeen and some days at Darul Uloom.

Our Shaykh helps many to reform their inner selves. Allah has given him a great understanding of deen. This can truly be felt when he is teaching, as the verses of the Qur’an and the Ahadith flow from him with such ease. He puts across his Dars and lectures in a very practical way.

Maulana has a special concern for the spreading of Islam in the Caribbean Islands. Presently, he has work taking place in Haiti with one of his students, Mufti Shaheed, who is the Imam and Principal of the Madrasah, Darul Uloom, Haiti. He also played an integral role in establishing the first Masjid in St. Lucia where his student and Mureed, Shaykh Yusuf is currently the Imam.

Maulana also spearheads a programme for women. Their office, Maktabun Nisaa provides counseling for females and children, as well as classes in which women can come to class and also bring their children to classes. It is scheduled in this manner in order that the women make no excuse due to their children. Classes take place everyday sometimes even on Sundays. Maktabun Nisaa also hosts many programs throughout the year for women: Hajj workshop, Salaah Workshop, Quraan Workshop etc. There are presently approximately 90 students and about 15 Aalimahs/Qaariahs teaching.

May Allah grant him a long and healthy life. May Allah let the masses benefit from him in all ways and forms. We pray that Allah keep our Shaykh happy, smiling and sincere in all that he does. Ameen

At the age of seventeen, having been involved in the work of Tabligh, Shaykh Abdul Salam left for India in 1973 where he pursued Islamic studies. During a period of seven years he completed the Maulana and Qaari courses at Darul Uloom Sabeelur Rashaad, Bangalore, India and then went to Darul Uloom, Deoband to study Ahadith.

Shaykh was my teacher in Tafseer Jalalain, Hidaayah, Mishkaat Shareef, Abu Dawood and Bukhari Shareef. His nature is unique and he emphaises the teaching of manners and etiquettes, which are ever so necessary for every student. His loving nature only increases one’s love for him but his delicate nature always left me alert and aware of his feelings and also of exercising the best of manners.

Shaykh Abdul Salam is one of the gems of the Caribbean and South America.

When we went to Darul Uloom, Sabeelur Rashaad, Bangalore, with Maulana this year, it was amazing how much love and respect the people there showed him. People would travel for hours to get to Darul Uloom and then wait for more hours and some for even days so that he would go to their place. They did not just invite him, they waited until he was ready to go with them. It made us, his students, appreciate him even more. His classmates told us that amongst all the students at Darul Uloom at that time, Shaykh was the most loved by both teachers and students, including Barey Hazrat.

Shaykh was a very special student of the world renowned Scholar, Hazrat Maulana Anzar Shah Kashmiri. He was also a student of Barey Hazrat Maulana Abu Saood, Hazrat Mufti Ashraf Ali and Maulana Meeran Sahib of Banglore. He was also blessed to be in the company of Shaykh Maulana Zakariyyah and also with Mufti Mahmudul Hassan Gangohi while he was studying in Deoband.

Our Shaykh Hazrat Maulana Yusuf Motala told us that one day, while in the Majlis of Shaykh Zakariyyah, Maulana Abdul Salam and Mufti Shabil were sitting right in front of him. Some people were suggesting that they move to the back because they were young and they could not understand Urdu. Hazrat Shaykh said: ‘Leave them right here, because we don’t know what Allah has in plan for them.’ Whenever he comes to Trinidad now, which is normally for our Khatme Bukhari, he recalls this incident and feels very happy. This was the insight of Hazrat Shaykh.

Shaykh Abdul Salam is a fatherly figure whom Muslims of all ages, races and backgrounds look up to as a role model. Embodied in him are many characteristics of Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). He is loved by everyone, all bodies have utmost respect for him. He is a very spiritual person with much experience of life.

The religion of Islam has outlined a complete way of life whilst balancing the rights given to each individual.

These rights are distributed and balanced to create harmony between various people, whether it be family members, colleagues, friends, teachers, students etc.

On this point my respected Shaykh, Maulana Abdul Salam, is a practical example when dealing with us with respect to his rights as our teacher. When he would want us to return to school at a certain time, or to complete a certain task, then he would never command by saying ‘Do this’ as this would be within his rights and require us to abide; and failing to do so would make us sinful.

Instead, he would request through words such as ‘Can you…’ which, whilst not exercising his rights, conveys the message of what he wants.

Shaykh has shown us that the rights in Islam are there as a guidance to ensure that the needs of individuals are not violated and that each person is aware of their rights and responsibilities. However, many a time, it is more beneficial to forego your rights, in order to display your love and affection to those you love and also saving them from an obligation which could have led to the individual becoming sinful.

Alhamdulillah, if we consider our rights in this manner then it will create an atmosphere of love and affection with those close to us. At the same time each person will learn to do things for another not because they ‘have to’ but rather because they ‘want to.’

May Allah give us all the understanding of this lesson our Shaykh taught us, to create an atmosphere of love and affection within our school, homes and lives.

One special quality of Shaykh’s teaching, as most students would tell you, is that when you sit in his class, you don’t have to review for his exams. Such is the quality of his Dars.

Shaykh has that quality that every student is very comfortable with him. He is very compassionate.

Since Shaykh is someone who likes to explore, he travelled to various parts of India and Pakistan even while studying.

He returned to Trinidad in 1981 and assisted Mufti Shabil with Darul Uloom Trinidad & Tobago in 1984. Maulana is a Director and Administrator of Darul Uloom, Trinidad and Tobago.

His efforts to propagate Islam and to promote Darul Uloom T&T extended beyond the narrow boundaries of T&T. He travelled to nearby countries such as Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Grenada, Suriname, Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, etc.

Since his return to Trinidad, Shaukh has been actively involved in educational pursuits. Unlike Mufti Shabil, he was not one to write but he would give lectures all over the country. May Allah accept all his efforts.

Every year, Shaykh would tell his graduating students that, you will be a shining torch and you would either show people the correct way or burn them. Let us be the ones to show the people the correct way.

One rank is given to those endowed with knowledge and another to those who disseminate such knowledge, and it is such people who belong to the category, ‘the best of you.’ Shaykh has always been involved in teaching, Tazkiyyah and Tabligh. From my observation in traveling with Shaykh Abdul Salam, I don’t think anyone can point to him on the Day of Judgment and say he did not invite them to Islam.

I am fortunate to have been given the opportunity to travel with Maulana many times. I have traveled to Tobago, Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Guyana, U.K., India and made Umrah with him.

Shaykh was given Khilafat by Hazrat Maulana Mughisi, of Ajrara, India, who is a Khalifa of Shaykh Abu Hasan Ali Nadwi. Shaykh is also a very special mureed of Shaykh Yusuf Motala.

He is the Khateeb, resident Aalim and Director of Masjid ul Muttaqeen (Munroe Road Masjid).

Shaykh takes active part in the work of Tabligh. He carries students in Jamaat for the upliftment of Deen among the masses and he is very close and very much loved by Hafiz Patel of Dewsbury and Maulana Ahmad Laat of Nizamudeen Markaz.

Due to his sermons and simple down to earth and modest lifestyle, Shaykh commands respect from Muslims all over the world. He has a simple, eloquent and distinctive style of explaining the purpose of human life and its creation and often uses practical examples to support his point. He has delivered lectures to all types of communities in society, including such attendees as doctors, engineers, professors, businessmen, government officials, ministers and politicians. His untiring efforts brought real Islamic values in the lives of many.

Currently, together with teaching at Darul Uloom, Shaykhs holds Zikr Majlis every day after Fajr at Masjidul Muttaqeen and some days at Darul Uloom. He also has Tafseer Majlis every Monday at Masjidul Muttaqeen. Islahi Majlis is held every Thursday at Masjidul Muttaqeen.

‘All the teachers of these Madaris need to have the qualities and compassion of Maulana Abdul Salam to their students.’ (Maulana Qamruzaman Ilahabadi)

‘We are fortunate to travel with Maulana on many occasions and one of the many things we observe was that he was very meticulous and consistent with his Amaals and he causes your Imaan to increase.’ (Students).

Once, Allah allowed Maulana to address the nation. Maulana Shiraz told us that Maulana has the special ability to speak comprehensively using very few words. His words may be few but the message is voluminous.

May Allah grant him a long and healthy life. May Allah let the masses benefit from him in all ways and forms, Ameen.

Mufti Waseem Khan is presently the Chairman and Principal of a prestige Islamic Institute in Trinidad known as ‘Darul Uloom Trinidad and Tobago’. He is also a teacher at the Institute where he teaches Hadith (Sahih Al Bukhari), Aqaa’id, Tafseer of the Quran and Fiqh. He is the head Mufti of the Department of Ifta at the Institute and the Chairman of both the Darul Uloom Halal and Hilal Committees. He is a renowned Islamic scholar who is well known and highly respected through the length and breadth of Trinidad and the West Indies. Mufti has also traveled to the UK and USA, delivering lectures and discourses to the Muslims and has also lectured at different Universities in the UK. With respect to his studies, he (first of all) started his basic Islamic studies in Quranic recitation, tajweed and fiqh in Trinidad, under the tutorship of the leading scholars of Trinidad. He then left for India in 1983 and took enrollment in the Aalim course in one of the most famous and renowned Islamic Institutes of India known as ‘Jamia Islamia’ situated in Dabhel, Gujarat. There, he studied for a period of three years.After this, Mufti Waseem traveled to Karachi, Pakistan to continue his studies. In Karachi, he was admitted in the world’s famous and renowned Institute of Pakistan known as Jamiatul Uloom Al Islamia, Newtown, Karachi, which was founded by the great Muhaddith, Allama Yusuf Al Binnori (A.R). At the Jamia, Mufti Waseem continued his studies in advanced and higher Arabic and Islamic Studies, until he successfully completed the eight year Aalim course at the Jamia in 1991. During this time, he obtained the following Certificates and Degrees from Wifaqul Madaris Al Arabiyah, Pakistan:

These were achieved after successful completion of the examinations (over a period of eight years), conducted by Wifaqul Madaris Al Arabiyah (Board of Religious Educational Institutes of Pakistan, recognized by the Government of Pakistan through University Grants Commission, Ministry Of Education). The Certificates and Degrees were all given and endorsed by Wifaqul Madaris, Pakistan, and accepted as being equivalent to the levels stated by all Islamic Universities in Pakistan and outside of Pakistan. During this period, Mufti Waseem had the opportunity of studying Uloomul Hadith, Uloom At Tafseer and Uloomul Fiqh under some of the greatest scholars of Pakistan. He studied the entire Sahih Al Bukhari from the three great Shaikhs of Hadith, namely:

Shaikhul Hadith Mufti Ahmadur Rahman (a.r) (the then Principal of the Jamia)

Shaikhul Hadith Shah Misbahullah Sahab (D.B).

He studied the entire Sahih Al Muslim from the great scholars of Hadith, Shaikhul Hadith Dr. Mufti Nizamuddeen Shamzi (a.r), (the then head Mufti of the Jamia), and also Shaikh Dr. Abdur Razzaq (presently the Principal of the Jamia in Newtown). He studied the entire Jami’ of Tirmizi from the great scholar Shaikh Dr. Habibullah Mukhtar (a.r) (the former Principal of the Jamia). He studied the Sunan of Abu Dawood from the great scholar Shaikh Maulana Yusuf Ludhiyanwi (a.r), and completed the other books of Ahadith from the leading scholars of the Jamia.

These books included:

The Mu’atta of Imam Malik,

Sunan of Imam Nasai,

Sunan of Ibn Majah,

Sharhul Ma’ani Al Athaar of Imam Tahawi,

Mua’tta of Imam Muhammad,

Kitabul Athaar,

Mishkatul Masabih.

Mufti was also fortunate to obtain Ijazah in the six authentic books of Ahadith from his teachers (of Ahadith). He also obtained Ijazah from the great Shaikh and Jurists Hazrat Mufti Ahmad Khanpuri (D.B) and Hazrat Mufti Rafi Usmani (D.B)

Mufti Waseem also completed studies in the field of Tafseer by completing the following books of tafseer under such scholars who gained their doctorate in tafseer from Ummul Qurra University in Makka, and also from the Jamia in Madina. The books included Tafseer al Jalalain, Tafseer Al Baidhawi, Tafseer Ibn Katheer.

Mufti Waseem also did extensive and advanced studies in the field of Islamic Jurisprudence and law, dealing with the Mazahib of the four Imams of Fiqh. The books which he studied in this field were, Nurul Idhaah, Muktasar Al Qudoori, Kanz Ad Daqaa’iq, Sharhul Wiqaya and the complete text of Al Hidaya.

Besides the above, Mufti Waseem studied the science of Usoolul Hadith and completed the famous books in this field by studying the Muqadammah of Ibn Salah, Nukhbatul Fikr, Al Muqadamah in Usoolul Hadith by the Muhaddith Shaikh Abdul Haqq Ad Dahlwi, Al Madkhal fi Usoolil Hadith, Tadreebur Raawi fi Sharh Taqreeb an Nawawi by Hafiz Jalaluddeen As Suyootee.

He also studied the science of Usool At Tafseer by studying the books, Al Fawzul Kabeer, Muqaddamah of Tafseer by Imam Raghib Al Isfahani, Al Itqaan fi Uloomil Quran by Suyootee. Usoolul Fiqh was also studied by the Mufti, and in this field, he studied the following great books on the principles of Islamic Jurisprudence: Usool Ash Shashi, Nurul Anwaar, Al Husaami, At Tawdheeh.

Along with these, Mufti Waseem completed studies in the fields of Uloomul Aqaa’id (Islamic beliefs), Uloom Seeratun Nabawiyyah (the life and character of the Prophet (s.a.s), Uloom At Tareekh (Islamic History), Uloomul Ma’ani Wal Balaghah (Study of meaning and rhetoric), Al Fasahah (Classical Arabic), Uloom An Nahw Was Sarf (Study of Etymology and Syntax), Uloomul Maqarinatul Adiyaan Wal Firaq (Comparative study of religion and sects), Mirath (Laws of Inheritance).

In this way, Mufti Waseem successfully completed his studies at the Jamia Islamia in Karachi, where a number of other subjects were also studied. Having concluded his studies in Pakistan, Mufti Waseem went on to further his studies in the field of Takhassus fil Fiqh Wal Ifta (Specialization in Islamic Law and Jurisprudence) where he did the Mufti course. This, he did under the tutoring and supervision of Mufti Shabil Ali (A.R) (the founder, former Principal and head Mufti of the Darul Uloom), and Mufti Ismail Bhikha (the former head Mufti of Jamia Islamia in Dabhel, Gujarat, India). He successfully completed this course in 1992 after having done extensive research, and completed the books for this course, namely, Muqaddamah of Raddul Muhtar, Al Ashba Wan Nadha’ir, Rasmul Mufti, Adabul Mufti Wal Mustafti.

Besides the above, Mufti Waseem has done extensive studies in the field of Islamic Banking and Finance and has achieved the following:-

Born in 1956 in Sangre Grande, Trinidad, he attended the Charlieville ASJA Primary School after which he attended the North Eastern Secondary School.

At the tender age of seventeen, having been actively involved in the Tabligh Jamaat, Mufti Shabil left for India in 1973 where he pursued Islamic studies. During a period of seven years he completed the Maulana and Qaari courses at Darul Uloom Sabeel ur Rashaad, Bangalore, India. He then pursued the Mufti course at Dabhel Madrasah, Surat, Gujarat, India.

During his stay abroad, he became proficient in Arabic and Urdu.

In 1978, he married Aalimah Rashida Adam Ali, daughter of the late Moulvi Saeed Adam of Barataria, Trinidad.

His missionary zeal took him to various parts of India and Pakistan even while studying.

He returned to Trinidad in 1981 and founded Darul Uloom Trinidad & Tobago in 1984. Mufti Shabil was the principal of the Boys’ College since its inception at his residence at Rashaad Avenue, Don Miguel Road, San Juan.

His efforts to propagate Islam and to promote Darul Uloom T&T extended beyond the narrow boundaries of T&T. He traveled to countries such as Barbados, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela, Panama, USA, Canada, the United Kingdom and South Africa.

Since his return to Trinidad, Mufti Shabil was actively involved in educational pursuits. His publications include seven books on the topics related to the teaching of Arabic, Tajweed and Islamic Studies for children. His unpublished works span a wide range of Islamic Sciences such as Tafseer, Hadith, Islamic History, Islamic Beliefs, Islamic Inheritance and Islamic Jurisprudence.

The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) also informed us as to that which warrants additional virtue when he said:

“The best among you is he who learns the Holy Qur’an and teaches it.” (Bukhari).

Therefore, one rank is given to those endowed with knowledge and another to those who disseminate such knowledge and it is such people who belong to the category, ‘the best of you.’ From among the many who will qualify to be placed in this category, our beloved Shaykh Mufti Shabil Ali is undoubtedly one of them, for his entire life, his youth, his adolescence and his adulthood was spent in the process of learning and teaching the religion of Allah.

The primary reason for elucidating the life of our dear teacher Mufti Shabil Ali is so that we may be motivated and sensitized regarding the roles that we may be chosen to fulfil.

When Mufti Shabil became very sick, he would be brought to school and we would put him on a mattress to lie down and he would teach from there.

When this became difficult, we tapped into the knowledge that Allah had bestowed upon him by going to his home where he would teach us while lying on his sofa.

If we reminisce on the lives of great men, we will undoubtedly notice that they accomplished much by the grace of Allah Ta’aala and made considerable preparation for the Hereafter in the short span of time that Allah allotted for them to dwell on this earth. And I quote our dear Mufti Shabil for he rightly used to say: ‘A long life is good but a good life is better.’

It should be noted that despite the fact that Mufti Shabil Ali was devoted in the religious field, he still did justice to the other aspects of human life, e.g. his family life, social life, etc. Let us be motivated and enhance our preparation for the Hereafter, for it is achievements like these that will be of value to us in the morrow.

Allah Ta’aala says:

“Verily We will give life to the dead and We have recorded that which they sent forth for the morrow and what they left behind.” (Surah Yaseen, Verse 12).

When we remember Mufti Shabil, we cannot help but be touched in some special way by the many outstanding qualities that we found in him, for even though he was a man small in stature, his vision and ambition were mammoth, as he illustrated whilst stating the objective of the Darul Uloom which is, ‘to produce graduates who will sincerely obey Allah and His Messenger and will efficiently serve the cause of Islam along with their responsibilities of family life, such that they become beneficial to themselves, their family members, the Muslim community and society at large.’

Some of us would have admired him because of his integrity and trustworthiness, some because of his selflessness and humility, some because of his knowledge and impartial nature, etc., but everyone at least acknowledges that he was indeed a man of principles.

In addition, I also acknowledge the favour of Allah Ta’aala bestowed upon our beloved Mufti Shabil in the form of his knowledge of Islam. For indeed, knowledge and understanding of religion are without doubt, some of the greatest favors Allah Ta’aala bestows upon an individual. We are thus assured by the Holy Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) who said:

‘Whosoever Allah intends good, He endows him with the understanding of religion.’

Regarding the favour of Allah, we are told in the Holy Quraan:

‘And regarding the favour of Allah, speak about it.’

It is with this in mind that I mention some of the achievements that our dear Shaykh Mufti Shabil was able to accomplish solely through the Grace and Mercy of Almighty Allah.

In addition to being the Principal of Darul Uloom, our dear teacher was also very instrumental in the formation of the UlO (United Islamic Organisation), which is an umbrella body comprising other member bodies. He also served as its chairman for a period of two years. He also played a key role in the Unity Dialogue Committee comprising representatives from the MCC (Muslim Co-ordinating Council) and the UlO. It goes without saying that functional unity of the Muslims of Trinidad and Tobago was one of his main objectives. It was with this in mind that he was very often heard as saying,

‘Consultation, co-operation and coordination.’

It is well known that Mufti Shabil’s life was pre-occupied with education in the form of the Darul Uloom, writing of books, etc. Within a few years, several buildings at the Darul Uloom were constructed having gathered funds from the Muslim community. In addition, courses on various subjects from an elementary to a degree level were offered to a wide cross-section of the Muslim community.

His devotion to education was well known to all, especially to us, his full-time students, for even in the latter stages of his life, despite acute illness, he would conduct classes with us while lying on a mattress.

As students of the late Mufti Shabil Ali, we had the privilege of benefiting from the vast knowledge, experience and personality of his.

Among the many lessons that he taught us, I distinctly remember that he would tell us that none of us individually or collectively is indispensable or more important than the religion of Allah, therefore, we should be grateful and be very particular regarding how we discharge our responsibilities in whatever capacity we may be chosen to serve the religion of Allah.

It is with this in mind that we need to understand that none of us is indispensable, just as Mufti Shabil Ali, was also not indispensable.

He also used to say, ‘I, Shabil Ali, am not Darul Uloom, the teachers are not Darul Uloom, the Administrative Committee is not Darul Uloom. Darul Uloom represents the religion of Allah and Allah will take care of His religion utilizing whomsoever He pleases.’ We thank Allah for giving our teacher the necessary insight and foresight, such that, prior to his death he laid out the necessary infrastructure for the smooth functioning of the Darul Uloom. In conclusion, we grieve not only for the loss of a father, a husband, an adviser, a principal, a teacher, a father figure, a friend, a scholar, but more so, for the loss of a devout servant of Allah who conscientiously served his religion.

Mufti Shabil was the mureed of Hazrat Maulana Maseehulah Khan (R.A).

We humbly ask Allah, the Most Merciful, to accept his good deeds and intentions and to overlook and forgive the faults, mistakes and sins of our dear Shaykh.

May Allah accept his efforts and use them as a means of perpetual rewards and we humbly beg Allah to fortify his family, students, friends, etc, with the qualities of patience and understanding of His wisdom.

Reflections on Mufti Shabil

“The works and achievements of our beloved brother, Mufti Shabil Ali, in such a short span of time, proves beyond any doubt the type of person he was. He lived an exemplary life of a true Muslim who inspired many. I am happy for him that he died in a state that is pleasing to Allah, but I am sad that he had to leave us and his family in such a hurry.”

Shaykh Mohamad Munaf Mohamed, Missionary, Darul Ifta, Saudi Arabia

“Working under him for the past seven years has made me understand him and his sense of reasoning, which to some people seemed absurd and irrational to say the least, but in reality, it was always based on sound reasoning supported by proper proofs and research, especially concerning the Shari’ah. In retrospect, it seems to me that he never was an idle man. He always tried his best to stay within the limits of Islam. He has touched and affected positively, the lives of thousands of people as his Janaza has proven.”

Shaykh Fazeel Mohammed, teacher at Darul Uloom Trinidad and Tobago

“He has made a significant contribution to the propagation of Islam in the Caribbean, and while the Institution he founded is far from completion, it began bearing fruits during his lifetime.”

Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed

“During his tenure as Chairman of the United Islamic Organisations of Trinidad and Tobago (UIO’IT) he nurtured the growth and development of the then young and fledgling body. He continued to function as adviser and consultant to this group after abstaining from holding office owing to health reasons. He also played a key role in the Unity Dialogue Committee comprising of representatives of the Muslim Coordinating Council (MCC) and the UIOTT: One of his main concerns was the unity of the Muslims in T&T.”

Haji Faiz Amin, President, UIOTT

“It is in the field of the continuing dialogue amongst the Muslim Leadership to effect functional unity that I was exposed to Mufti Shabil Ali over the past five years. His penchant for details and listening to different views and thinking, before arriving at a consensus epitomizes the Islamic concept of Shura. As he matured, he became more expansive in thought, word and deed and this was reflected in his oft-repeated phrase, “Consultation, Co-operation and Co-ordination”.

Dr. Mansur Ibrahim, President, ASJA

“Mufti Shabil Ali has left an indelible mark on the history of Muslims in Trinidad and Tobago. The rapid response of an extremely large number of persons from all quarters of the Muslim community to his funeral (in just over five hours after his passing) bears testimony to the love and respect which be commanded. He will be remembered especially for his initiative in establishing the Darul Uloom institute and for his efforts in pursuit of Muslim unity in Trinidad and Tobago.”

Dr. Nasser Mustapha, President, Trinidad Muslim League

“Mufti Shabil played a significant role in the development and growth of the Muslim Credit Union Co-operative Society Ltd. (MCU). He served with distinction as a Shari’ah Advisor.”

Hakeem Ahmad, President, MCU

“From a very humble beginning, through his indefatigable pioneering efforts, he established the Darul Uloom, which has now become an institute of Higher Islamic Learning. Hundreds of Muslim families have benefitted from this Thawabi Jariya (Continuous blessing).”

Dr. Ebrahim Kazim, Director, Islamic Academy

“The passing of Mufti Shabil Ali, affectionately known to many Trinidadians as “Mufti”, has left a deep sense of sadness and a void to many who knew him personally as well as those who are aware of his efforts in the establishment of the Deen of Al-Islam in this part of the world. He performed selfless service to the cause of Islam and Muslims not only in Trinidad but the region and the world at large. His short life was an example of making full use of one’s talents and resources in the Path of Allah.”